Justification
On the basis of an inferred rapid decline through hunting, this species is categorized as Vulnerable. It is easily hunted as it is tame, curious, and gregarious^4,9. However there is an urgent need to research the rate of decline and reassess its status accordingly. Its population is thought to exceed 10,000 and be declining¹⁴ but this estimation is extremely approximate.

Threats
This large species is prized by hunters for meat and, to a lesser extent, for its feathers¹. It has been hunted to extinction throughout much of its range in the south-east^7,10,12, elsewhere it survives only in forests many hours or days walk away from the nearest village^1,2,9,13. It has become extirpated from the vicinity of some transmigration settlements in Papua where it had survived constant hunting from indigenous people⁹. Lowland forests, particularly on the flat terrain favored by this species, are threatened by logging, and although its tolerance of logged forest is poorly known, logging roads open up access to hunters^6,8,9, as does oil and gas exploration in Papua⁵. Capture for trade may also be significant⁹.

Conservation
CITES Appendix II. There is a captive-breeding programme in some zoos⁹. Education and research programmes are planned in Papua New Guinea⁹. It is protected by law in Papua New Guinea .

Targets
*Survey western extreme of range. *Determine populations in study areas such as Lakekamu and Kikori Basins . *Assess hunting levels through discussion with local hunters. *Investigate population trends through discussion with local hunters. *Ascertain tolerance of logged forest. *Monitor numbers traded. *Monitor population in study areas. *Establish more community-based conservation areas in lowlands. *Enforce protection in uninhabited reserve areas. *Launch public awareness programmes to reduce hunting. *Utilise as a flagship species in ecotourism ventures.